Why I stopped buying commercial trace elements (and what I do instead)
Reef keeping is already an expensive hobby…
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Lighting, filtration, salt, test kits, livestock — it all adds up quickly. For larger systems in particular, one area can quietly become disproportionately costly: trace element supplementation.
Most reefers will be familiar with the small bottles of individual trace elements — manganese, vanadium, nickel, and so on — often sold in 250 ml volumes at £20–30 per bottle. They’re presented as highly specialised products, when in reality they are simply standard laboratory-grade compounds diluted in water.
There’s nothing secret or proprietary about them. The chemistry behind trace element dosing is well established and publicly available. These products are not based on hidden formulas or rare ingredients — they are diluted solutions of common compounds, packaged and marketed as something far more complex than they really are.
I know this because I’ve been making and dosing my own trace element solutions for years. No coral losses. No unexplained issues. No instability. Just predictable, repeatable results — because the science itself is straightforward when applied correctly.
The cost problem (especially for larger systems)
For small tanks, the cost may seem tolerable. For larger systems, it quickly becomes absurd.
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As an example (without naming brands): A commonly sold manganese supplement costs around £22 for 250 ml, diluted so that 1 ml raises manganese by roughly 4 ppb in 100 litres. That sounds precise — but it’s also extremely weak.
The same concentration can be provided at half the price and double the volume simply by removing unnecessary markup.
That’s not because of inferior quality. It’s because there’s:
- no marketing budget,
- no luxury packaging,
- no artificial scarcity,
- and no attempt to make simple chemistry seem mysterious.
What I actually offer
What I share are the same pre-diluted, clearly labelled solutions I already use myself — prepared carefully, consistently, and transparently.
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These are aimed primarily at:
- reefers with larger systems,
- those with high trace element consumption,
- people who understand what they’re dosing and want a cost-effective, no-nonsense option.
There are no hidden blends, no “magic ratios”, and no exaggerated claims. Just known compounds at sensible concentrations.
I cover most trace element requirements, as well as nitrate, phosphate, and some major elements.
I deliberately do not include iodine or iron, as there are already commercially available products in those categories that are reasonably priced and well concentrated.
This isn’t about competing with brands
This isn’t about undercutting companies or telling anyone they’re doing reefing “wrong”.
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It’s about choice.
If you’re happy buying commercial trace elements, keep doing so.
If you run a larger system and want something more economical and transparent, this may be of interest.
If you can safely dose vinegar, kalkwasser, or two-part, you’re already capable of handling trace elements — especially when they’re pre-mixed and clearly documented.
Interested?
I’m not running this as a commercial product line — just sharing what I already prepare for my own systems.
If you’d like to know more, feel free to get in touch:
shop@coralbay.uk
or text 07724632132
— Paul
FAQ
Is it actually safe to dose trace elements?
Yes — when you know exactly what you’re adding and you dose conservatively. Trace elements can be useful, but more is not better. I prefer small, measured adjustments and I rely on testing to avoid chasing numbers.
Why are commercial trace element bottles so expensive?
In many cases you’re paying for packaging, branding, distribution, and convenience rather than rare ingredients. Most trace element supplements are standard compounds diluted in water at a known concentration.
Do I need to dose trace elements if I do regular water changes?
Not always. If you do consistent water changes with a good salt mix and your system isn’t consuming heavily, you may not need extra supplementation. Larger systems, SPS-heavy tanks, or systems with high growth can be different — consumption tends to be higher and more noticeable.
How do I avoid overdosing trace elements?
Start low, go slowly, and avoid changing multiple things at once. Track what you dose, watch coral response over time, and use testing where possible. If you’re unsure, it’s usually safer to under-dose than to “correct” aggressively.
How often should I run an ICP test?
If you’re serious and dialling in trace dosing, starting with an ICP every few weeks can be helpful. Once you understand your system’s patterns and consumption, it’s often reasonable to stretch to roughly monthly testing. The goal is consistency and trend tracking — not chasing perfection.
Do you provide dosing advice for individual tanks?
I’m happy to share general guidance based on typical reefing practice, but every system is different. If you message me, include your tank volume, what you keep (SPS/LPS/softies), and any recent test results so the conversation stays grounded.
Why don’t you include iodine or iron?
Because there are already commercially available iodine and iron products that are reasonably priced and well concentrated. I focus on the areas where costs often become disproportionate for larger systems.